Overview & Reviews

Subaru is a Japan-based automaker whose recent offerings are both practical and fun to drive. The automaker crafts vehicles whose all-wheel-drive powertrains and available turbochargers facilitate sharp performance. Incongruously, most Subaru vehicles are discreet and versatile enough to serve as competent family haulers, and the brand is known for boasting some of the best crash test scores in the automotive world.

In the early 1950s, a collection of Japanese companies joined to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Its automotive division came to be known as "Subaru," which is a Japanese word meaning "unite." In 1954, the first Subaru car was unveiled. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the P-1 (its name was later changed to the Subaru 1500) boasted a front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension and was the first car to feature a monocoque body designed in Japan. Sales were suspended due to challenges associated with funding and support, but Subaru soon resolved its difficulties and rolled out a sibling for its first-born; the 360 was introduced in 1958. Dubbed the Ladybird because of its ladybug shape, the compact 360 proved immensely popular, and remained in production for 12 years.

The 1960s saw the launch of the first Subaru truck. Based on the Subaru 360 platform, the Sambar minitruck offered both compact dimensions (a must for Japan's crowded, narrow streets) and an extremely spacious cargo bed. The truck was soon joined by the Sambar Light Van, a compact van built for both commercial and leisure use. In 1966, the automaker rolled out the 1000, a car that holds the distinction of being the first vehicle to use the drive technology that is the linchpin of current Subaru models: a front-wheel-drive system coupled to a horizontally opposed engine. This setup offered many advantages in handling and performance. By the end of the decade, Subaru North America had been founded, and exports to the United States had begun.

Subaru started the '70s with the introduction of the GL/DL (called the Leone in other markets). The sedan (it was soon joined by a coupe and a station wagon) broke new ground by offering four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability. Up until then, 4WD had only been offered in off-road-oriented vehicles. Coveted for use in the snow and in hilly regions, the GL and DL also benefited from the increasing popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing, and went on to become the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle. In 1977, Subaru rolled out the successful Brat; based on the GL, it was a small car-based pickup whose cargo bed featured a pair of jump seats. More and more, young people were seeking a vehicle designed for an outdoorsy lifestyle, and the rugged Brat was perfectly in step with their needs.

Subaru continued to offer versatile but slightly quirky vehicles through the '80s. It developed the world's first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The technology made its debut later that decade in a new Subaru, the tiny Justy economy car. By the end of the '80s, Subaru had given birth to the Legacy, which replaced the outgoing GL/DL (now called the Loyale in the U.S.). Available as both a wagon and a sedan, the Legacy placed an emphasis on performance.

The automaker made a name for itself in motorsports in the 1990s by being the first Japanese marque to win the Manufacturers' title at the World Rally Championship three years in a row. The Subaru family continued to grow during this decade, with the addition of the high-performance SVX, the popular Legacy-based Outback wagon and the sporty Impreza. In the late '90s, General Motors acquired a 20 percent stake in parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) with the aim of strengthening its presence in foreign markets. This affiliation didn't last long, however, and Toyota currently owns a small percentage of FHI.

Today, Subaru's lineup includes everything from compact trucks to family-friendly wagons to high-performance cars such as the WRX STi. The brand is hailed as a top pick for enthusiasts seeking vehicles that offer a shot of utility with their performance thrills.

User Reviews:

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  Sticks to the road with an attitude.... - 2009 Subaru Impreza
  By Montana Man - September 7 - 4:50 pm

  Another great Subie. I have an 08 Outback and a 09 WRX. Fast?....oh yea! Handles like a rally car and goes in the snow. The best of both worlds, along with Subarus legendary reliability. Getting on the freeway is always exciting, 0 to 100 in a flash...Im in my sixties now and am loving the exhilaration of having a race bred rocket, with the drive- ability for all weather conditions. A great value from the folks at Subaru. Gas mileage? If thats a concern, buy a Prius. Purchased with the SPT Cat Back exhaust, Short Throw Shifter and Turbo Gauge.Interior Foot-well Lights are a very cool touch.

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  My 5th Subaru--And Not My Last - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By ccarbone22 - September 5 - 10:33 pm

  I bought the Impreza in March 2008. This is my 5th Subaru, and Im a big fan. So far over 15,000 miles, not one single problem. The 2.5L engine is great, and the car handles quiet well. Lots of cargo room with the rear seats down, and the optional roof rails and cargo carrier are helpful too. AWD is great, and over the 15K miles, Ive gotten 26 MPG overall-- which I think is really good considering the AWD and larger 4-cyl engine. The wagon (yes, its a wagon, not a hatchback!) looks great-the sedan is kinda boring. Interior design is nice, and the materials are an improvement over past Imprezas. Looking forward to many years and miles with this car!

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  Near Perfect. - 2016 Subaru Forester
  By JeysFXT - September 5 - 4:51 am

  Its a pretty great car if youre realistic. I traded my wife my C250 Mercedes for the new Forester XT (FXT), at first several things felt very cheap compared to the Benzo. After spending three months and 6k mi in it, I realized why the engineers did what they did and why this is a popular selling car. The car is comfortable and has great visibility, the Premium trim has everything you NEED plus some extras (i.e. pano roof and seat heaters). The turbo engine pulls strongly and the CVT transmission is not as obtrusive as many car enthusiasts say it is, I believe Subaru has very well executed their Lineartronic transmission for this application. The interior isnt as luxurious as a Benz but frankly, it shouldnt be... its a practical car. If youre realistic on what you want your Subaru to do and why youre buying it, it is pretty ideal. I wanted something to go off road on the weekends and commute to work during the week. The FXT serves its purpose well providing a very large back seat and great cargo room in the back. The turbo requires synthetic oil and premium fuel (as do most other modern turbocharged, direct injected engines) and there hasnt been any oil consumption or other engine issue to note. When cold starting, the engine shimmies just barely, but this is normal so ignore other peoples claims of a rough idle, theyre seriously over exaggerating it. The Subaru Starlink system is nice but pretty gimmicky, I do like the remote locking and tracking features but frankly could have done without. What I absolutely love about the vehicle is the go anywhere prowess.... I live in dry, Southern California where I go hunting for snow and dirt trails. Ive taken the FXT off roading in moderate and medium trails and have been very impressed with the capabilities with its AWD system (by the looks of the 4Runner and Jeep owners, they were too). I will say that on a moderate or medium trail, youre really pushing the car to its limits... in retrospect I dont know what I was thinking. Either way, its a great car and highly recommended.

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  I love my Baja - 2003 Subaru Baja
  By stooks - September 5 - 2:00 am

  this car truck is great the handling and the cars many uses from hauling the trash off to getting a load of lumber its great Ill never owne anything eles and it goes great in the snow and rain the all wheel drive makes it stick to the road thanks subaru for a great car

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  The first car Ive ever bought! - 2004 Subaru Impreza
  By jon1848 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This year, I decided to stop leasing and purchase a car outright. After months of research, I bought the Subaru Impreza TS Sport Wagon - what a car! The 165 horsepower feels like twice that. The acceleration is much more sport than wagon. The boxer engine helps keep the centre of gravity low and it shows in the smooth, stable cornering. The look of the car has improved significantly with departure of the Neon-esque front- end.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR, best one I have ever had - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Patterson - September 4 - 2:16 pm

  I never knew what it was like to LOVE a car until I got my wagon. I will probably never own another type of car but a Subaru Outback. It is the perfect size for about ANYTHING. It is reliable, is great for short or long trips. The gas mileage is good even with the rising costs. This is coming from someone that drives an hour each way to work everyday. So I spend TONS of time in my wagon.

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  It rocks! - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By New to subaru - September 3 - 5:20 pm

  Had been looking at the WRX. But cost of gas using this as a commute car , made me look at the regular Impreza. I was under the idea that the Outback sport had drum rear brakes. That is wrong. My salesman pointed this out to me on a just delivered silver Outback sport. I look the looks of it. It drives so solid. If you havent driven a Subaru before take a test drive, it is the oddest feeling and it is great. Try this car and you will buy one. The winter package is only available on the outback sport and the WRx. Interior is great and the car handles very well. No regrets buying one.

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  Still Going Strong - 2002 Subaru Forester
  By Marks - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This Forester has been in daily use since we bought it new. It has had very few problems. Replacing the catalytic converter was the only signficant item so far. We also had to replace the CD player module when it started eating disks and keeping them! I was impressed that Subaru voluntarily replaced all the engine gaskets at no cost after some head gasket seepage was noted during dealer service. I for one like the placement of the cupholder, even though it puts your cup in front of the air distribution control knob. The cup is ergonomically in a good position -- up high and easy to reach. The holder looks flimsy, but it hasnt broken. A great little vehicle, easily the best I have owned.

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  My third legacy - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By edward - September 1 - 4:23 pm

  I replaced my 2008 tribeca with the 2010 legacy, primarily to improve fuel economy. The tribeca is a great vehicle, but I wanted something more fuel efficient. This is my third legacy, having owned a 2000 legacy limited and a 2005 legacy gt limited. I love this car, the increase in interior space, especially with respect to the rear seating is welcome and a major improvement. So far Im impressed with the mpg Ive been receiving, and love the CVT transmission. What more can I say, its a Subaru, theyre the AWD champs.

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  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca
  By New Subie Lover - September 1 - 2:16 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Never had a Subaru before, will always consider one now. Fit and finish are excellent, very tight turning radius, AWD is awesome in rain, can really feel a difference. Navigation is a pleasure to use. Only drawback is when on the highway and ascending up a hill, the transmission cant make up its mind where it wants to be, but is easily remedied with a downshift on the sportshifter...take this for a ride before you buy a Murano, you wont be disappointed. Hope this helps you.